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Understanding 9/11Piano Rolls 001
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these are piano rolls from my grandmother's house. i always loved them as a child. When i found an enormous box full of paper rolls earlier this year, some were partially eaten by rats and i repaired them. Recording them purely for the preservation of this beautiful music. i put another version where i sang along with the ones that had words, and please forgive me if the piano is out of tune. i will get it tuned soon. And sometimes it all breaks into chaos, but that is part of the charm for me.
PS - and Yes! Those are the rollers rumbling. The internet was needed for the Billings connection! i find it very charming myself! fans of TBR001 should also see TBR002! i will post a third volume soon!
PS - and Yes! Those are the rollers rumbling. The internet was needed for the Billings connection! i find it very charming myself! fans of TBR001 should also see TBR002! i will post a third volume soon!
Notes
01 is performed by Richard Merton.
02 is performed by Earl Billings.
03 is performed by George Holmes.
04 doesn't have a label so i don't know.
05 is performed by Lee Roberts.
06 doesn't have a label so i don't know.
07 is performed by Howard Brockway.
08 is performed by Howard Brockway also.
09 is performed by George Holmes, and sung by me.
10 doesn't have a label so i don't know, and sung (quite badly)by me.
11 doesn't have a label so i don't know, and sung by me.
Reviews
Reviewer:
Boatman007
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
August 27, 2008
Subject: From time forgoten.
Subject: From time forgoten.
Sound like this doesn't come but once. To hear that piano playing and the drum sounds in the background are just fantastic. The memories that it brought out from the cobwebs in my brain really refresh the sounds. Thank you very much for doing this work.
Keep up the great work.
Keep up the great work.
Reviewer:
hotsytotsy
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 31, 2007
Subject: ???
Subject: ???
What make/brand of a player-piano is that? Sounds like a really old one to me.
Reviewer:
Marble River
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
May 25, 2006
Subject: Utterly Charming
Subject: Utterly Charming
What a wonderful story. Could the Billings connection have been made without the Internet? Possibly, but not likely. The music is beguiling. Is that the sound of the rollers in the background? Some photos of the piano (or maybe a short video?) would really enhance the listening experience.
Bravo
Craig
aka Marble River
Bravo
Craig
aka Marble River
Reviewer:
TBillings
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 10, 2006
Subject: Earl Billings is my Grandfather...
Subject: Earl Billings is my Grandfather...
Wow! My thanks to the author. Earl Billings was my grandfather. He and his four brothers and his mother recorded for Billings Staff Note Player Roll Co., Milwaukee. What a treasure for me..Cut number #2.. Company was owned by his father Frederick C. Billings who had 50 patents in piano, and player roll design.Bob, the youngest, was probably the best. They all played the Theatre Organs in Chicago..were involved with Steinway,Baldwin,Gulbransen, Cable & Everett.
Reviewer:
splogman_jan -
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
October 13, 2005
Subject: blogged
Subject: blogged
Wonderfull. Just what I'm looking for. I'm very glad that I'm not the only person that feels the magic of these kind of things.
I've blogged these recordings at www.splogman.com/splusp
I've blogged these recordings at www.splogman.com/splusp
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